Barry Manilow reveals that his voice may not have survived cancer surgery

4 June 2026, 12:21

Barry Manilow is due to return to the live stage later this month.

Barry Manilow has admitted that he is scared his voice may not return following his recent treatment for lung cancer.

The singer was forced to twice postpone his live shows to undergo surgery and recover and is due to return to the live stage later this month before resuming his Las Vegas residency in July.

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In March, Manilow posted a video update to share the "great news" that his single 'Once Before I Go' was a hit, and also took the chance to thank fans for their well wishes.

"It's been a long ride and since I have no patience, it's been agony" he said.

"I am getting stronger and I have great doctors and wonderful friends and family but I am so looking forward to getting back on stage."

But he has now told Good Morning America that he might not quite sound the same when he makes his comeback.

What Barry Manilow says about singing again after lung cancer diagnosis

"My voice - I don’t know whether it’s coming back," he said. "I did my first sound check about a month ago and I didn’t sound like me at all. I just couldn’t believe that it's over."

He added: "I can't wait to get back. I'm in great shape, I’m ready to go. I just hope my voice is there.

"If I sound good, that would be just great. I really don't want to cry on stage, but I don't know whether I'll be able to hold that back this time."

Manilow this week releases his 33rd studio album What A Time, which has been trailed by the singles 'Once Before I Go' and 'Sun Shine'.